college gameday returned in emotional fashion today as ESPN’s iconic pregame show kicked off its 39th season live from Columbus, Ohio. This year’s opener carried added weight: it was the last broadcast for beloved analyst Lee Corso, who is stepping away after nearly four decades on the show.
The legendary broadcaster, known for his trademark mascot headgear picks, bid farewell to fans during the buildup to Ohio State’s clash with Texas. Thousands gathered outside St. John Arena as the GameDay crew honored Corso with tributes, memories, and one last theatrical headgear moment.
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The End of an Era
Lee Corso has been part of College GameDay since the very beginning in 1987. Over the years, he became much more than an analyst—he turned into the face of the show. His sense of humor, quick wit, and larger-than-life personality helped transform the program into the Saturday morning ritual it is today.
At 90 years old, Corso decided this would be his final season opener. His career includes more than 430 mascot picks, with a record of nearly 300 wins. Ohio State’s Brutus Buckeye was his most frequent choice, while Southern California delivered him his highest winning percentage. Corso’s catchphrase, “Not so fast, my friend,” became part of the cultural fabric of college football.
This farewell edition of College GameDay featured a special logo reading, “College GameDay Built by The Home Depot and Lee Corso.” The production team dedicated segments to celebrating his best moments, while longtime colleagues like Kirk Herbstreit, Rece Davis, and Desmond Howard shared emotional tributes. Former host Chris Fowler made a surprise return to thank Corso for shaping the show into what it is today.
When Does College GameDay Start?
For fans watching at home, College GameDay continues to follow its classic Saturday schedule. The show begins at 9 a.m. Eastern Time and runs until noon ET, airing live on ESPN and ESPNU.
Fans who attend in person at GameDay locations are encouraged to arrive early. In Columbus, lines for the fan pit opened at 6:30 a.m., with thousands of Buckeye and Longhorn supporters packing the area hours before kickoff. Security restrictions remain in place, banning large bags, food, or signs on sticks.
College GameDay Schedule 2025
This season’s journey for College GameDay begins with Corso’s farewell in Columbus. The following week, the crew will travel to Norman, Oklahoma, for a high-profile showdown between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Michigan Wolverines.
Here’s a quick look at the schedule so far:
| Date | Location | Game Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 30, 2025 | Columbus, OH | Ohio State vs. Texas – Corso’s farewell |
| Sep 6, 2025 | Norman, OK | Oklahoma vs. Michigan |
As the season unfolds, more destinations will be added, continuing the tradition of spotlighting the most anticipated matchups in college football.
Lee Corso’s Most Memorable ‘College GameDay’ Moments
Over nearly four decades on the set of College GameDay, Lee Corso became more than just an analyst—he became the heartbeat of the show. His humor, bold predictions, and signature flair turned ordinary Saturday mornings into unforgettable spectacles. Here are some of the moments that best define his legacy:
The First Headgear Pick (1996):
Corso forever changed the show’s format when he pulled out Brutus Buckeye’s oversized head during a 1996 broadcast at Ohio State. At the time, it seemed like a playful stunt, but it quickly became a tradition fans eagerly anticipated each week. From that moment on, viewers tuned in not just for analysis, but to see which mascot head Corso would surprise them with at the end of the show. That single decision transformed College GameDay into an event rather than just a pregame broadcast.
Buckeye Favorites:
Ohio State holds a special place in Corso’s history. Not only did the first headgear pick happen in Columbus, but the Buckeyes also became his most frequent selection. He donned Brutus more than 40 times, cementing Ohio State as a recurring storyline in his GameDay journey. Fans in scarlet and gray often chanted his name as he made his choice, and the Buckeye crowd embraced Corso as one of their own.
Perfect Calls with USC:
While the Buckeyes were his most common pick, Southern California was his most reliable. Every time Corso slipped on the Trojan helmet, USC delivered a victory. His perfect streak with the Trojans became part of GameDay lore, proof that behind the humor and theatrics, Corso had a sharp eye for winners. The USC tradition added an extra layer of fun for fans, who eagerly tracked whether Corso’s “perfect record” would remain intact.
Celebrity Guest Pickers:
Another staple of the show has been the celebrity guest picker segment, often leading into Corso’s final decision. Corso thrived in these moments, bantering with athletes, actors, comedians, and musicians who joined the panel. From Charles Barkley’s fiery trash talk to appearances by Hollywood stars and legendary coaches, Corso always found a way to playfully one-up the guest, often to the delight of the crowd. These interactions highlighted his ability to bridge sports, entertainment, and culture seamlessly.
Classic Catchphrases and Personality:
Corso’s memorable lines became as famous as his mascot picks. His signature phrase, “Not so fast, my friend,” became a rallying cry whenever he disagreed with fellow analysts. Beyond catchphrases, his personality—equal parts teacher, showman, and prankster—made him stand out. He wasn’t afraid to play the villain by picking against the home crowd, nor was he shy about celebrating wildly when his choice was right. The mix of humor, unpredictability, and authenticity made Corso a fan favorite across generations.
Emotional Resilience:
In later years, Corso’s presence took on even greater meaning. After suffering a stroke in 2009, he courageously returned to the show despite health challenges. Fans rallied behind him, admiring not just his football knowledge but his determination to remain part of the tradition he helped create. His ability to continue delivering laughs, smiles, and heartfelt moments even in the face of adversity stands as one of the most inspiring aspects of his career.
The Future of College GameDay Without Corso
While Corso’s departure is bittersweet, College GameDay remains in strong hands. The lineup of Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Pat McAfee, and Nick Saban provides a mix of experience, analysis, and energy. New additions, including fresh faces like Katie Feeney, aim to carry forward the tradition of connecting with fans on campus.
Though the set will feel different without Corso’s headgear reveal, the show’s commitment to college football passion ensures it will continue as the sport’s premier pregame celebration.
Why College GameDay Matters
Few programs in sports television have the cultural reach of College GameDay. It’s not just about breaking down X’s and O’s—it’s about tradition, community, and atmosphere. The live crowd signs, school pride, and celebrity guest pickers make every Saturday morning feel like a national event.
For many fans, football Saturdays don’t officially begin until GameDay wraps up at noon. It has become the heartbeat of the sport, blending analysis with entertainment in a way no other program has matched.
Closing Thoughts
Today’s broadcast in Columbus wasn’t just another Saturday morning show—it was a tribute to the man who helped shape College GameDay into a cultural institution. Lee Corso leaves behind a legacy of laughter, passion, and unforgettable memories.
As the new season rolls forward, fans will remember his final mascot pick with fondness, knowing the spirit of his contributions will live on in every future broadcast.
What was your favorite Lee Corso moment on College GameDay? Share your memories below and keep the conversation going as this unforgettable season unfolds.
